Red Bull is working to solve Singapore qualifying mapping issue
Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner says the team is working with Renault to solve the mapping issue which affected both drivers in qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix
Verstappen complained about his engine's power delivery on team radio on Friday and again in FP3.
The team estimated it would be on the third row of the grid in qualifying, but Verstappen earned second place, despite having to abort his second and faster run due to an engine cut-out. His team-mate Daniel Ricciardo was sixth.
Horner was careful not to direct any blame at Renault, noting that the Spec C power unit - which only Red Bull is using - is still early in its development curve.
Although Verstappen suggested that it would be less of an issue in race trim, Horner says that Renault will do some more work at its Viry base.
"It's probably a numbers issue, which you're allowed to change," said Horner.
"Under normal circumstances you'd expect some simulation or dyno time going into hopefully tidying that up.
"The Renault guys are working flat out on it.
"This is the Spec C, it's still new.
"It's delivered the power, so it was definitely the right call to take the engine into this qualifying.
"Despite the issues it still has a bit more power.
"We just have to tidy it up for the race tomorrow.
"Hopefully it will be cleaner than when he drove out of the pits today."
Horner explained that Verstappen had to adjust his driving to deal with the issue with the power unit, which allowed him to join Lewis Hamilton on the front row of the grid.
"Unfortunately with the mapping he's just not getting the delivery of the power than he's requesting from the pedal, so it's very intermittent," he added.
"That's what's been having him over in terms of downshifts and on upshifts.
"It was a fantastic lap, and unbelievable effort.
"To drive round the issues he had was truly impressive.
"It was a shame, I think without it we could have had a shot at the pole there, but to be starting on the front row feels like a pole position anyway.
"I think going into qualifying the engineers thought fifth and sixth was the likely outcome, so I think they've done a good job in getting the chassis tidied up."
Share Or Save This Story
Krack: Aston Martin F1 team no longer in “no-man’s land”
Gasly rues costly floor damage from Ocon contact in F1 Japanese GP
How an F1 underachiever became a Japanese political player
Formula 1: The groundbreaking women who drove in F1
Friday favourite: When a GP2 race winner “ate steering wheel” in Alpine's F1 winner
The potential pitfalls Mercedes is working to counter in 2021
What Red Bull's succession plans for Lambiase and Marko reveal about team's F1 future
Wolff admits Mercedes has most powerful F1 engine – and Red Bull agrees – as ADUO returns to spotlight
How Antonelli found half a second to thwart Verstappen in Belgian GP qualifying
The big British GP chance F1 almost missed
What Alonso needs from Aston Martin and F1 as career decision looms
Why nationality should be 'no factor' as Haas considers Fornaroli and Camara for F1 2027
F1 drivers raise concerns over 'self-learning' power units – what's going on?
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments